A messy history!

It is commonly accepted that MAHJONG is a game originated from China. However, there are numerous saying about how long mahjong has existed. The debate about the ORIGIN of mahjong is not easy to conclude (see topic #205 at the "Archives" section), not to mention how it should have started. As to the question "how long mahjong has existed", we are of the opinion that:

1. If you could define the term ORIGIN OF MAHJONG, a date of its birth should be easily determined;
2. If you could not define ORIGIN OF MAHJONG, its origin is still at lost in the history!

Despite the mess of its history, mahjong is a fascinating game that is nowadays played by people all over the world and the worldwide population of mahjong players could be well over 98 million! The only regret about the game is that, it is normally played by numerous rule sets, thus hindering players of different parts of the world from playing or competing with one another with mutual understanding.

International Mahjong Rules part of a pioneer concept!

Modern mahjong is in fact a collection of games evolved from its origin several hundred years ago. It is quite easy to understand why so many variants exist today, especially when you learn that there was no written form of rules until in the years of 1920s. What have done cannot be undone! We could not go back to the history and write the rule set of the mahjong origin! However, what we can do today is to set up a unified rule set so that from now on players around the world can all play and compete by the same standards. International Mahjong Rules is part of the author's efforts in promoting this pioneer concept!

International Mahjong Rules ("IMJ Rules") was created in 1990 based on the game play of the world's most popular Cantonese Mahjong (also known as Hong Kong Mahjong or Hong Kong Old Style), and on various "house rules" widely played throughout Hong Kong in the 1980s. It was a complete set of written rules of the then Cantonese Mahjong but with modifications and verifications that are purposely made to eliminate any known grey areas of play.

International Mahjong Rules is under proper maintenance and management. The most current version of the IMJ Rules is available at the "Online Resources" section. If you have comments or suggestions about the rules please don't hesitate to let us know - Please refer to our "Rule Questions" section.

You have the questions. We have the answers!

If you are new to mahjong and want to learn mahjong in its fullness (the complete rules, the play; not the history of the game), International Mahjong Rules is for you! IMJ Rules lists all rules that you need to play the game with. In addition, our "IMJ Learning Centre" is your one stop resource of information and references that could help you learn the game thoroughly and play with others with confidence. More importantly, whenever you have questions about rules, you'll find answers based on the written rules that are all covered in just one rulebook! If you have been hesitating about learning to play mahjong, or are not satisfied with the results you are currently playing, IMJ Rules is able to bring you new achievements in life!

If you are experienced player, you'll find International Mahjong Rules competent enough to govern every step of play. If you have ever encountered any problems or disputes about any ruling of play, or if you are to teach someone to learn to play mahjong, IMJ Rules is the complete rulebook you can refer to!